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DI Ben Kitto #4
Pulpit Rock: The Isles of Scilly Mysteries: 4
The fourth instalment in a gripping and atmospheric crime series set on a small island where there is no escape . . .
AN ISLAND ON LOCKDOWN. A KILLER ON THE LOOSE . . .
As the scorching summer sun covers the small Scilly island of St Mary’s, DI Ben Kitto and his team are training for the annual Swimathon. But their morning session comes to a climactic end when they discover a body hanging from Pulpit Rock. The victim has been dressed up in a bridal gown, and Ben quickly realises that a dark and sinister killer is at large on the island.
To prevent the killer from escaping, Ben has no choice but to lock down St Mary’s, yet in doing so he is unwillingly trapping the killer’s next victim. When another woman is attacked, Ben gathers the island’s at-risk residents inside the local hotel for safety, but the killer is already watching and remains one step ahead . . .
Everyone is a suspect. No one is safe.
AN ISLAND ON LOCKDOWN. A KILLER ON THE LOOSE . . .
As the scorching summer sun covers the small Scilly island of St Mary’s, DI Ben Kitto and his team are training for the annual Swimathon. But their morning session comes to a climactic end when they discover a body hanging from Pulpit Rock. The victim has been dressed up in a bridal gown, and Ben quickly realises that a dark and sinister killer is at large on the island.
To prevent the killer from escaping, Ben has no choice but to lock down St Mary’s, yet in doing so he is unwillingly trapping the killer’s next victim. When another woman is attacked, Ben gathers the island’s at-risk residents inside the local hotel for safety, but the killer is already watching and remains one step ahead . . .
Everyone is a suspect. No one is safe.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2020
73 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rhodes
36 books352 followersKate Rhodes is a bestselling UK crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award and a Library Dagger.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
October 1, 2020
This is the latest in Kate Rhodes Scilly Isles crime series featuring DI Benesek 'Ben' Kitto series, a tense and twisted addition that makes for compulsive reading. Ben lives on Bryher, but is on St Mary's island, training for a swimathon with a group that includes long term friends and farmers, the brothers Steve and Paul Keast with whom he has a long shared history. On the swim, a woman is spotted hanging in a bridal dress on local landmark, Pulpit Rock. At first, it is assumed that this is a case of suicide, but it soon emerges this is a case of ritual murder and the killer has to be someone on the island. With boss DCI Alan Madron, a risk averse, procedure driven man, on holiday, Kitto is in charge and immediately organises a lockdown, staying at a local hotel run by Tom and Rhiana Polkerris.
The victim is a young Latvian woman with a complicated personal life, Sabine Bertan, attractive, confident, outgoing, independent, working the summer months at the hotel to improve her English before returning to go to Riga University, her best friend, local girl Lily Jago with a troubled brother, Harry. An under pressure Ben and his police team, which includes Eddie Nickell, old timer, DS Lawrie Deane, and newest recruit, 21 year old Constable Isla Tremayne, still finding her feet, race against time to find the killer, but before long another woman is seriously attacked, a German Journalist tourist. The murder victims are all strong independent women, killed in a similar way, wearing lockets stolen a year ago from the museum, and Cornish gold wedding rings, and the killer is sending the police polaroid pictures of the victims, with lines from an old wedding song on the back.
Rhodes crimes series has a wonderful sense of location, so atmospheric with a wide and diverse set of characters, locals and tourists, including grieving psychologist, Jeff Pendelow, helping the murder inquiry, the return of Nina Jackson that unsettles Ben, and the fabulous dog, Shadow. This is a case where everyone is a suspect, even long established friends, this is an investigation that is going to take a heavy toll, and cost Ben those lifelong friends. This is a great addition to the series, a truly macabre set of murders that prove to be difficult to get a handle on with barely any leads and culminating in a harrowing finale. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
The victim is a young Latvian woman with a complicated personal life, Sabine Bertan, attractive, confident, outgoing, independent, working the summer months at the hotel to improve her English before returning to go to Riga University, her best friend, local girl Lily Jago with a troubled brother, Harry. An under pressure Ben and his police team, which includes Eddie Nickell, old timer, DS Lawrie Deane, and newest recruit, 21 year old Constable Isla Tremayne, still finding her feet, race against time to find the killer, but before long another woman is seriously attacked, a German Journalist tourist. The murder victims are all strong independent women, killed in a similar way, wearing lockets stolen a year ago from the museum, and Cornish gold wedding rings, and the killer is sending the police polaroid pictures of the victims, with lines from an old wedding song on the back.
Rhodes crimes series has a wonderful sense of location, so atmospheric with a wide and diverse set of characters, locals and tourists, including grieving psychologist, Jeff Pendelow, helping the murder inquiry, the return of Nina Jackson that unsettles Ben, and the fabulous dog, Shadow. This is a case where everyone is a suspect, even long established friends, this is an investigation that is going to take a heavy toll, and cost Ben those lifelong friends. This is a great addition to the series, a truly macabre set of murders that prove to be difficult to get a handle on with barely any leads and culminating in a harrowing finale. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
July 27, 2022
I think Pulpit Rock, book 4 in the DI Ben Kitto series, is an ok crime book. In spite of enjoying the previous books in the series, I find this one's story to be weaker than the first two. This series is recommended if you enjoy crime novels set on an island with a bleak atmosphere and many suspects.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
October 23, 2020
Pulpit Island is the fourth instalment in a gripping and atmospheric crime series set on a small island where there is no escape. It isn't necessary to have read the preceding books in the series as each story is self-contained and enough backstory is provided to bring new readers to speed. An island on lockdown. A killer on the loose. As the scorching summer sun covers the small Scilly island of St Mary’s, DI Ben Kitto and his team are training for the annual Swimathon. But their morning session comes to a climactic end when they discover a body hanging from Pulpit Rock. The victim has been dressed up in a bridal gown, and Ben quickly realises that a dark and sinister killer is at large on the island. To prevent the killer from escaping, Ben has no choice but to lock down St Mary’s, yet in doing so he is unwillingly trapping the killer’s next victim. When another woman is attacked, Ben gathers the island’s at-risk residents inside the local hotel for safety, but the killer is already watching and remains one step ahead. Everyone is a suspect. No one is safe.
This is a compulsive, exciting and superb addition to what has become an excellent series with a cast who are relatable, engaging and developed and a setting that is so atmospheric that it is a character in itself. It's impeccably plotted with a touch of romance and a great sense of place. There is action aplenty and never a dull moment and the fact that it's based on one of the Scilly isles creates more tension as with a killer on the loose, it's not as easy to escape the area; this is further intensified by Kitto locking down the tiny St Mary’s to stop the murderer from escaping to the mainland, so everyone feels they have to watch their backs. I love the quirky, eccentric characters who lit up the pages and clever plotting meant several twists and turns caught me off guard. The blossoming relationship between Ben and his ex Nina is interesting and it's nice to see a little happiness for them both. All in all, this is a well-written mystery with bags of intrigue and a large suspect pool. Right up until the end you are unsure who the perpetrator is but Rhodes wraps it all up nicely. Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for an ARC.
This is a compulsive, exciting and superb addition to what has become an excellent series with a cast who are relatable, engaging and developed and a setting that is so atmospheric that it is a character in itself. It's impeccably plotted with a touch of romance and a great sense of place. There is action aplenty and never a dull moment and the fact that it's based on one of the Scilly isles creates more tension as with a killer on the loose, it's not as easy to escape the area; this is further intensified by Kitto locking down the tiny St Mary’s to stop the murderer from escaping to the mainland, so everyone feels they have to watch their backs. I love the quirky, eccentric characters who lit up the pages and clever plotting meant several twists and turns caught me off guard. The blossoming relationship between Ben and his ex Nina is interesting and it's nice to see a little happiness for them both. All in all, this is a well-written mystery with bags of intrigue and a large suspect pool. Right up until the end you are unsure who the perpetrator is but Rhodes wraps it all up nicely. Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for an ARC.
August 4, 2021
Three and a half stars.
DI Ben Kitto and his team are training for the Swimathon when the find a body in a wedding dress, hanging from Pulpit Rock. On this little island of St Mary’s which is part of the Scilly Isles, a killer is hunting for female victims. Ben Kitto has no choice but to lock down the island and stop anyone leaving and hope he can find the culprit before it costs another life. Everyone is under suspicion, even friends and the most trusted members of the community. Another woman is attacked. Can Ben Kitto solve the murder case before another life is lost? And what is the significance of the gold locket and wedding ring on the corpse?
This was my first introduction to Ben Kitto, though it is book 4 in the series. It didn’t matter. It reads fine as a stand alone. Ben is an interesting character and I liked his canine companion, Shadow, too. Not always obedient, Shadow definitely has a mind of his own. The pace of this was good although I do think in some way it was not the best option to read while in covid lockdown. There are plenty of twists and red herrings, that have the reader looking first one way for the culprit and then another.
An engrossing read although at times it did feel like there were rather too many characters to keep track of. I was glad to finish it and think it’s now time for a lighter read. Those who enjoy a dark, atmospheric murder mystery with a great setting and well drawn characters should enjoy this one. A recommended read.
DI Ben Kitto and his team are training for the Swimathon when the find a body in a wedding dress, hanging from Pulpit Rock. On this little island of St Mary’s which is part of the Scilly Isles, a killer is hunting for female victims. Ben Kitto has no choice but to lock down the island and stop anyone leaving and hope he can find the culprit before it costs another life. Everyone is under suspicion, even friends and the most trusted members of the community. Another woman is attacked. Can Ben Kitto solve the murder case before another life is lost? And what is the significance of the gold locket and wedding ring on the corpse?
This was my first introduction to Ben Kitto, though it is book 4 in the series. It didn’t matter. It reads fine as a stand alone. Ben is an interesting character and I liked his canine companion, Shadow, too. Not always obedient, Shadow definitely has a mind of his own. The pace of this was good although I do think in some way it was not the best option to read while in covid lockdown. There are plenty of twists and red herrings, that have the reader looking first one way for the culprit and then another.
An engrossing read although at times it did feel like there were rather too many characters to keep track of. I was glad to finish it and think it’s now time for a lighter read. Those who enjoy a dark, atmospheric murder mystery with a great setting and well drawn characters should enjoy this one. A recommended read.
October 21, 2021
I love this series, even though the formula is quite well-known to me by now, down to the very sentences and expressions of some which are repeated throughout the books. It is a bit like the author has found a template that suits her, and the only thing that is evolving is Ben Kitto's love life, everything else is much as it was in last book and in the book before. Still I love the descriotions of the islands and would love to go there some day. If it isn't too much of a strain to go to the UK now with all the new red tape thanks to Brexit, sigh.
October 8, 2020
I can't praise this series highly enough, I have enjoyed every single one of them and this latest offering is no exception.
Fabulous characterisation and a great sense of place, a storyline that will keep you turning the pages and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Reading another of Kate Rhodes fabulous Ben Kitto series is like meeting up with old friends, really looking forward to the next instalment.
Fabulous characterisation and a great sense of place, a storyline that will keep you turning the pages and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Reading another of Kate Rhodes fabulous Ben Kitto series is like meeting up with old friends, really looking forward to the next instalment.
May 25, 2021
Der Polizeichef der Scilly Inseln ist ausgerechnet wieder im Urlaub, als in der Hochsaison eines Jahrhundertsommers beim Training für den Rund-um-die-Inseln-Schwimmwettbewerb eine Frauenleiche im Hochzeitskleid entdeckt wird. Am Pulpits Rock der Insel St. Mary ist die tote Hotelangestellte Sabine so auffällig geschmückt und drapiert worden, dass Ben Kitto schon bald die Botschaft eines Serienmörders vermutet. Ben lebt nach Jahren in London wieder in seiner alten Heimat und mit dem Dauerkonflikt, dass sein Chef die Inseln nicht verlässt, ohne seinen Vertreter penetrant zu kontrollieren. Auch in Kittos viertem Fall vergeht kein Tag, an dem er Chief Madron nicht über den Lauf der Ermittlungen Bericht zu erstatten hat. Das Kapitalverbrechen trifft den lokalen Tourismus augenblicklich an seiner empfindlichsten Stelle, als Kitto den Fähr- und Flugverkehr zum Festland einstellen lässt, bis alle Zeugen vernommen sind.
Nachdem eine deutsche Journalistin von einem Unbekannten schwer verletzt wird und innerhalb kurzer Zeit eine dritte junge Frau dem Hochzeitskleid-Mörder zum Opfer fällt, steht für Kitto fest, dass er es mit einem hochintelligenten Serienmörder zu tun hat. Alle drei Opfer waren berufstätige, tatkräftige Frauen, fragt sich nur, welche Botschaft der Täter mit der Hochzeitssymbolik und wertvollen Beigaben übermitteln will, die kurz zuvor aus dem Museum der Insel gestohlen wurden. Kitto, sein Deputy Eddie Nickel und die neue Kollegin Isla sind dabei, die Bedeutung der Artefakte zu entschlüsseln, und müssen feststellen, dass der Täter die Insel offenbar sehr viel besser kennt als sie selbst. Das Versteck aufzufinden, in dem der/die Unbekannte seine Opfer gefangen hält und ausstaffiert, drängt. Angesichts der großen Zahl an Schuppen, Ställen und Gemäuern auf der Insel scheint die Suche jedoch aussichtslos zu sein, selbst wenn Kitto zusätzlich seine Hilfspolizisten einsetzt.
Als ein Zeuge Ben den Tipp gibt, ein Täter wäre in nahezu jedem Fall eine vertraute Person, der nur noch niemand die Tat zugetraut hat, habe ich mich gefragt, ob Ben als Einheimischer gegenüber Ermittlern vom Festland nicht im Nachteil ist, wenn er gegen seine direkten Nachbarn ermitteln muss. Die Beteiligten sind miteinander verwandt, gemeinsam zur Schule gegangen, Arbeitgeber und Angestellte – Ben wird mit jeder Zeugenvernehmung wieder zurück in seine Jugend versetzt. Stets dabei ist Wolfshund Shadow, den Ben nach dem Tod seiner Kollegin adoptiert hat. Dass Shadow Ben’s Ex-Freundin stärker zu lieben scheint als Ben, sollte ihm zu denken geben. Nach mehreren falschen Fährten und erst nachdem Kitto selbst in Gefahr geraten ist, werden die Fälle gelöst – für mich wirklich überraschend.
Kate Penrose setzt im vierten Fall ihrer Scilly-Serie wieder auf idyllische Schauplätze, eine enge Verknüpfung zu Geschichte und Kultur der Inseln und den sympathischen Icherzähler Ben Kitto, der noch nicht ganz wieder an seinem Heimatort angekommen zu sein scheint. Neben dem hochdramatischen Fall hat mich der Blick aufs Meer von den unterschiedlichen Schauplätzen aus auch in diesem Band wieder begeistert.
Nachdem eine deutsche Journalistin von einem Unbekannten schwer verletzt wird und innerhalb kurzer Zeit eine dritte junge Frau dem Hochzeitskleid-Mörder zum Opfer fällt, steht für Kitto fest, dass er es mit einem hochintelligenten Serienmörder zu tun hat. Alle drei Opfer waren berufstätige, tatkräftige Frauen, fragt sich nur, welche Botschaft der Täter mit der Hochzeitssymbolik und wertvollen Beigaben übermitteln will, die kurz zuvor aus dem Museum der Insel gestohlen wurden. Kitto, sein Deputy Eddie Nickel und die neue Kollegin Isla sind dabei, die Bedeutung der Artefakte zu entschlüsseln, und müssen feststellen, dass der Täter die Insel offenbar sehr viel besser kennt als sie selbst. Das Versteck aufzufinden, in dem der/die Unbekannte seine Opfer gefangen hält und ausstaffiert, drängt. Angesichts der großen Zahl an Schuppen, Ställen und Gemäuern auf der Insel scheint die Suche jedoch aussichtslos zu sein, selbst wenn Kitto zusätzlich seine Hilfspolizisten einsetzt.
Als ein Zeuge Ben den Tipp gibt, ein Täter wäre in nahezu jedem Fall eine vertraute Person, der nur noch niemand die Tat zugetraut hat, habe ich mich gefragt, ob Ben als Einheimischer gegenüber Ermittlern vom Festland nicht im Nachteil ist, wenn er gegen seine direkten Nachbarn ermitteln muss. Die Beteiligten sind miteinander verwandt, gemeinsam zur Schule gegangen, Arbeitgeber und Angestellte – Ben wird mit jeder Zeugenvernehmung wieder zurück in seine Jugend versetzt. Stets dabei ist Wolfshund Shadow, den Ben nach dem Tod seiner Kollegin adoptiert hat. Dass Shadow Ben’s Ex-Freundin stärker zu lieben scheint als Ben, sollte ihm zu denken geben. Nach mehreren falschen Fährten und erst nachdem Kitto selbst in Gefahr geraten ist, werden die Fälle gelöst – für mich wirklich überraschend.
Kate Penrose setzt im vierten Fall ihrer Scilly-Serie wieder auf idyllische Schauplätze, eine enge Verknüpfung zu Geschichte und Kultur der Inseln und den sympathischen Icherzähler Ben Kitto, der noch nicht ganz wieder an seinem Heimatort angekommen zu sein scheint. Neben dem hochdramatischen Fall hat mich der Blick aufs Meer von den unterschiedlichen Schauplätzen aus auch in diesem Band wieder begeistert.
November 13, 2023
Welcome back to another review for this special #TeamScilly project, you might have seen that the latest book in this series has been released since my last review, it’s called Hangman Island and it’s the 7th book in the series. I’m still working my way through the series and I’m reviewing book 4 ion this blog post, it’s called Pulpit Rock.
I hope you enjoy my review.
I’m so happy to be back with Ben & Shadow, they’ve got another dark case to solve, a young hotel worker is found hanging in a wedding dress, it’s a girl that Ben knows personally so that makes it even more horrific, it had me really on edge wondering who would be the next victim also I was thinking what could the motive possibly be?.
This was another outstanding read that was once again so atmospheric and with it’s amazing writing style, it had me turning page after page so fast, it had new characters and our old favourites plus a returning character who we’ve not seen for a couple of books ( no spoilers here).
As with all the previous books, I didn’t guess who the culprit was and I was investigating it myself alongside Ben.
It just gets better and better, look out for my next review of this outstanding series.
I hope you enjoy my review.
I’m so happy to be back with Ben & Shadow, they’ve got another dark case to solve, a young hotel worker is found hanging in a wedding dress, it’s a girl that Ben knows personally so that makes it even more horrific, it had me really on edge wondering who would be the next victim also I was thinking what could the motive possibly be?.
This was another outstanding read that was once again so atmospheric and with it’s amazing writing style, it had me turning page after page so fast, it had new characters and our old favourites plus a returning character who we’ve not seen for a couple of books ( no spoilers here).
As with all the previous books, I didn’t guess who the culprit was and I was investigating it myself alongside Ben.
It just gets better and better, look out for my next review of this outstanding series.
June 14, 2025
Unfortunately, as noted in my comments on book 3 of this series, the formulaic writing style has become somewhat tedious for me. There were sections to enjoy certainly, for example, the sense of place, and the slow character development across the novels. However, the weird attitude of the chief added to the predictability that the structure produces, and the unbelievable resolution of this crime means I will probably either give this series a rest or a miss from here on.
September 20, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for an advance copy of Pulpit Rock, the fourth novel to feature DI Benesek Kitto of the Scilly Isles.
Ben and his friends are training for the swimathon when they see a body hanging from a local beauty spot, Pulpit Rock. Initially thinking suicide they are soon investigating a murder and that brings problems in the small, tight knit community because the murderer must be one of them and they aren’t stopping.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pulpit Rock which is a tale of a different kind of policing where resources are scarce and there’s a make do and mend feel to it. The novel is mostly told from Ben’s first person perspective with occasional descriptions of the victims’ experiences. This gives the novel a sense of urgency and the reader a sense of involvement. I found that the novel passed quickly as I got immersed in Ben’s world. I liked his need to help his community by catching the killer as soon as possible, I was less enamoured by his arresting anyone with the hint of a motive. I assume there are procedural reasons for this but they are never clearly explained. I found the resolution slightly disappointing. Full motivation is not explored and what is explored is flimsy in comparison with the strength of the rest of the novel. I knocked a star of my rating for its weakness. Despite this the novel is absorbing with lots going on, a well disguised perpetrator and a genuine mystery about the who and why.
Ben Kitto is an interesting character. A native Scillonian he has returned home after a stint on the Met’s murder squad, so technically he’s overqualified for his job. It’s just as well there are so many murders on his patch. I like that he’s not overly confident in his skills and has moments of doubt and uncertainty. It makes him more relatable. I love his relationship with his boss, the decidedly unfreewheeling, DCI Madron, who has no imagination and a fetish for procedure and paperwork. Been there.
Pulpit Rock is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Ben and his friends are training for the swimathon when they see a body hanging from a local beauty spot, Pulpit Rock. Initially thinking suicide they are soon investigating a murder and that brings problems in the small, tight knit community because the murderer must be one of them and they aren’t stopping.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pulpit Rock which is a tale of a different kind of policing where resources are scarce and there’s a make do and mend feel to it. The novel is mostly told from Ben’s first person perspective with occasional descriptions of the victims’ experiences. This gives the novel a sense of urgency and the reader a sense of involvement. I found that the novel passed quickly as I got immersed in Ben’s world. I liked his need to help his community by catching the killer as soon as possible, I was less enamoured by his arresting anyone with the hint of a motive. I assume there are procedural reasons for this but they are never clearly explained. I found the resolution slightly disappointing. Full motivation is not explored and what is explored is flimsy in comparison with the strength of the rest of the novel. I knocked a star of my rating for its weakness. Despite this the novel is absorbing with lots going on, a well disguised perpetrator and a genuine mystery about the who and why.
Ben Kitto is an interesting character. A native Scillonian he has returned home after a stint on the Met’s murder squad, so technically he’s overqualified for his job. It’s just as well there are so many murders on his patch. I like that he’s not overly confident in his skills and has moments of doubt and uncertainty. It makes him more relatable. I love his relationship with his boss, the decidedly unfreewheeling, DCI Madron, who has no imagination and a fetish for procedure and paperwork. Been there.
Pulpit Rock is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 21, 2020
Pulpit Rock is the fourth novel by Kate Rhodes featuring DI Benesek ‘Ben’ Kitto. After years working in the murder squad in London, Ben had had enough and decided to move back to the small Scilly island of Bryher where he was born. In Pulpit Rock, Ben is training for a swimathon when he sees a body hanging from the local landmark of Pulpit Rock. The victim is a woman and she is found wearing a wedding a dress. For Ben it becomes clear that it is murder and, after another woman is attacked, that a serial killer is on the island. Since no one is allowed to enter or leave the island, everyone becomes a suspect, including people who Ben knows very well.
I really enjoy this series. I love the setting of the Scilly Islands, so atmospheric and beautiful, often remote and cut off from the mainland, a place that it is described in vivid details by the author and that it has a very central part in the story.
I like the protagonist DI Ben Kitto. I find him smart, decisive, intrepid and I enjoy reading about his interesting love life. On the job, he is really good and, in this new novel, he finds himself in the difficult position to suspect and interview close friends, people he grew up with, and even his own colleagues. I love his dog Shadow and their entertaining relationship was one of my favorite part of the story.
The plot is well-structured and well-written. It is suspenseful, engrossing and thrilling. You never know when the killer might strike next and I didn’t figure out who the killer was until it was revealed.
The DI Ben Kitto series is one of my favorite crime series and I am already looking forward to the next book, in the meantime, I highly recommend Pulpit Rock!
I really enjoy this series. I love the setting of the Scilly Islands, so atmospheric and beautiful, often remote and cut off from the mainland, a place that it is described in vivid details by the author and that it has a very central part in the story.
I like the protagonist DI Ben Kitto. I find him smart, decisive, intrepid and I enjoy reading about his interesting love life. On the job, he is really good and, in this new novel, he finds himself in the difficult position to suspect and interview close friends, people he grew up with, and even his own colleagues. I love his dog Shadow and their entertaining relationship was one of my favorite part of the story.
The plot is well-structured and well-written. It is suspenseful, engrossing and thrilling. You never know when the killer might strike next and I didn’t figure out who the killer was until it was revealed.
The DI Ben Kitto series is one of my favorite crime series and I am already looking forward to the next book, in the meantime, I highly recommend Pulpit Rock!
October 18, 2020
Again thoroughly enjoyed this 4th book in the Scilly Isles mysteries with DI Ben Kito chasing another serial killer this time on St Marys.
The setting brings back so many memories of the holiday we had there in the late 90's with our friends and their two children. We stayed in Old Town in a large house right on the beach, the owners living in the rear part while we had the run of the main house. I remember we walked everywhere from Old Town to Hugh Town to catch the small boats to neighbouring islands and then back again in the late afternoon, once we'd stocked up with supplies from the Co-op which we carried in our back packs. At that time there were only a couple of taxis and a bus on he island, very few people had cars as it was so expensive to bring them over on the boat from the main land, which was why I was so surprised in the early part of the story when there was mention of around 400 cars on the island. I am sure Kate Rhodes has done her research, but I cannot imagine that many cars on the small island, with the narrow roads. Such an idyllic place and I'm pleased to see at then end of this story there is a preview of number 5 which looks like it's set on St Martins, my second favourite of all the islands, my first being Tresco.
Highly recommended especially if you enjoyed the Shetland series by Ann Cleeves.
The setting brings back so many memories of the holiday we had there in the late 90's with our friends and their two children. We stayed in Old Town in a large house right on the beach, the owners living in the rear part while we had the run of the main house. I remember we walked everywhere from Old Town to Hugh Town to catch the small boats to neighbouring islands and then back again in the late afternoon, once we'd stocked up with supplies from the Co-op which we carried in our back packs. At that time there were only a couple of taxis and a bus on he island, very few people had cars as it was so expensive to bring them over on the boat from the main land, which was why I was so surprised in the early part of the story when there was mention of around 400 cars on the island. I am sure Kate Rhodes has done her research, but I cannot imagine that many cars on the small island, with the narrow roads. Such an idyllic place and I'm pleased to see at then end of this story there is a preview of number 5 which looks like it's set on St Martins, my second favourite of all the islands, my first being Tresco.
Highly recommended especially if you enjoyed the Shetland series by Ann Cleeves.
June 2, 2021
Auch den vierten Band um DI Ben Kitto, der auf den Scilly – Inseln vor der Küste Cornwalls ermittelt, kann ich jedem Leser, der atmosphärische, spannende Krimis liebt, sehr ans Herz legen.
Mich fasziniert besonders wie die Autorin Kate Penrose es schafft, einerseits die hochsommerliche Atmosphäre auf der Insel St. Mary heraufzubeschwören und dann darin die makaber inszenierten Morde zu platzieren.
Ich mag die ruhige, fast schon zu besonnene Art von Ben Kitto sehr gerne. Der größte Teil des Krimis wird durch seine Augen erzählt und so kann der Leser seine Gedankenspiele, Zweifel und Erkenntnisse rund um den Fall hautnah miterleben. Auch seine verzwickte Beziehung zu Nina spielt wieder eine große Rolle. Diesmal wird parallel zu Bens Ermittlungen ein weiterer Teil durch Lily erzählt, der Freundin des Mordopfers, die sich ungewollt immer weiter in den Fall verstrickt und ihre eigenen – teils richtigen, teils falschen – Schlüsse zieht und dadurch sich selbst in große Gefahr bringt.
Auch wenn dies bereits der vierte Band einer Serie ist, kann man ihn auch losgelöst von den vorherigen Bänden lesen, da alle Fälle in sich abgeschlossen sind.
Wer aber mehr über den Menschen Ben Kitto und seinen Hund Shadow erfahren möchte (und natürlich weitere spannende Fälle auf den Scilly-Inseln miterleben möchte) sollte auf jeden Fall auch die ersten drei Bücher der Serie lesen!
Mich fasziniert besonders wie die Autorin Kate Penrose es schafft, einerseits die hochsommerliche Atmosphäre auf der Insel St. Mary heraufzubeschwören und dann darin die makaber inszenierten Morde zu platzieren.
Ich mag die ruhige, fast schon zu besonnene Art von Ben Kitto sehr gerne. Der größte Teil des Krimis wird durch seine Augen erzählt und so kann der Leser seine Gedankenspiele, Zweifel und Erkenntnisse rund um den Fall hautnah miterleben. Auch seine verzwickte Beziehung zu Nina spielt wieder eine große Rolle. Diesmal wird parallel zu Bens Ermittlungen ein weiterer Teil durch Lily erzählt, der Freundin des Mordopfers, die sich ungewollt immer weiter in den Fall verstrickt und ihre eigenen – teils richtigen, teils falschen – Schlüsse zieht und dadurch sich selbst in große Gefahr bringt.
Auch wenn dies bereits der vierte Band einer Serie ist, kann man ihn auch losgelöst von den vorherigen Bänden lesen, da alle Fälle in sich abgeschlossen sind.
Wer aber mehr über den Menschen Ben Kitto und seinen Hund Shadow erfahren möchte (und natürlich weitere spannende Fälle auf den Scilly-Inseln miterleben möchte) sollte auf jeden Fall auch die ersten drei Bücher der Serie lesen!
November 11, 2020
Thank you to #NetGalley and #SimonandShusterUK for giving me an ARC of #PulpitRock by #KateRhodes in exchange for my honest review.
4 stars – ****
DI Ben Kitto and his team are training for the annual Swimathon on the Scilly Island of St Marys when they discover a body hanging from Pulpit Rock. The victim has been dressed as a bride and it soon becomes clear that there is a killer on the Island.
The Island goes into lockdown while Ben and his team try to track down the killer and it is not long before another young woman is attacked. Will Ben and his team be able to track down the killer before another woman is killed? Or will they be too late to save the day?
This is the first of Kate Rhodes novels that I have read and whilst this is the fourth in the DI Kitto series I didn’t feel that not reading the others caused me any detriment. I would imagine that if I go back and read the first three there will be some minor spoilers in this novel, but nothing that I would be worried about.
Rhodes’ style of writing is fast paced and once again I found myself unable to guess the culprit. It was a very enjoyable read and I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
4 stars – ****
DI Ben Kitto and his team are training for the annual Swimathon on the Scilly Island of St Marys when they discover a body hanging from Pulpit Rock. The victim has been dressed as a bride and it soon becomes clear that there is a killer on the Island.
The Island goes into lockdown while Ben and his team try to track down the killer and it is not long before another young woman is attacked. Will Ben and his team be able to track down the killer before another woman is killed? Or will they be too late to save the day?
This is the first of Kate Rhodes novels that I have read and whilst this is the fourth in the DI Kitto series I didn’t feel that not reading the others caused me any detriment. I would imagine that if I go back and read the first three there will be some minor spoilers in this novel, but nothing that I would be worried about.
Rhodes’ style of writing is fast paced and once again I found myself unable to guess the culprit. It was a very enjoyable read and I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author.
May 28, 2021
Whodunnit set on The Isles of Scilly. Not bad for a modern day crime novel.
January 21, 2023
2 stars
Long, dragged, boring.
Good start, terrible book, the murderer is revealed in the last pages, the very last.
Long, dragged, boring.
Good start, terrible book, the murderer is revealed in the last pages, the very last.
January 11, 2024
The fourth book whisked me right back to the Scilly Isles with Ben Kitto and his team. It's yet another thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable read. Ben is now used to Eddie, and the rapport between them is great.
I love coming back to the Scilly Isles, and this book is set upon St Mary's. This is an island I have actually visited. I was seeing the places as I read Kate Rhodes' detailed descriptions. This is such a plus to the series. I love revisiting the place! It's somewhere I hope to again.
Yet another story that sends the reader on a twisty journey. The red herrings and blind alleys are there, in spades. I am so invested in Ben Kitto!. He is so fabulously created that I feel like I can see him as I read. The more I return to the series, the more he cements his position amongst my favourite character list.
I am raring to go with the fifth book now. The eagerness to see what's next up in this excellent police procedural is almost madness! Roll on tomorrow, when I can start reading!
Thanks to Tracy Fenton of Compulsive Readers and Simon & Schuster for the gifted ebook and allowing me to tag along.
I love coming back to the Scilly Isles, and this book is set upon St Mary's. This is an island I have actually visited. I was seeing the places as I read Kate Rhodes' detailed descriptions. This is such a plus to the series. I love revisiting the place! It's somewhere I hope to again.
Yet another story that sends the reader on a twisty journey. The red herrings and blind alleys are there, in spades. I am so invested in Ben Kitto!. He is so fabulously created that I feel like I can see him as I read. The more I return to the series, the more he cements his position amongst my favourite character list.
I am raring to go with the fifth book now. The eagerness to see what's next up in this excellent police procedural is almost madness! Roll on tomorrow, when I can start reading!
Thanks to Tracy Fenton of Compulsive Readers and Simon & Schuster for the gifted ebook and allowing me to tag along.
August 14, 2024
Unterhaltsamer Krimi der bei Beschreibung der Insel-Kulisse direkt Urlaubsgefühle auslöst. Nicht bis ins Mark schockierender aber dennoch spannender Krimi mit einer doch unerwarteten Auflösung.
October 17, 2024
Good pace, especially near the end. Too many characters for me, got confused!
February 11, 2021
As the scorching summer sun beats down on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, DI Ben Kitto and his team are training for the annual Swimathon, until they discover a body hanging from Pulpit Rock, dressed in a bridal gown. An obsessive killer is hunting for female victims. Kitto has no choice but to stop anyone leaving St Mary’s, but soon another woman is attacked. The killer must be a trusted member of the community. Kitto’s investigation is being watched closely, the killer always one step ahead, as the next victim is chosen.
I am a big fan of this series and was eager to get stuck into this latest instalment. Unfortunately, something just did not click for me with this and I cannot quite say why. The plot was intriguing and definitely gripping to begin with but somewhere along the way it felt stale and all a bit predictable. This is now book four so fairly established and sadly it seems there is a formula to this series and the read suffered from a lack of twists and shocks. I did like the concept but it was lacking energy.
We are of course reunited with the character of Ben Kitto in this read which I liked, it is always great to catch up with characters. I did not think there was a lot of development for his character in this book though which was a bit of a shame. We also catch up with other characters as well and it was enjoyable to see known names and see where they are at in their lives.
I do still thoroughly enjoy the setting of St Mary's, the beauty of the landscape really comes across and there is a sense of isolation and danger throughout. St Mary's really does provide an excellent setting for a crime read and helps to create a brooding atmosphere.
I wanted to enjoy 'Pulpit Rock' as much as I have enjoyed the other instalments but sadly there was just something missing and I did not connect with this read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for an advance copy.
I am a big fan of this series and was eager to get stuck into this latest instalment. Unfortunately, something just did not click for me with this and I cannot quite say why. The plot was intriguing and definitely gripping to begin with but somewhere along the way it felt stale and all a bit predictable. This is now book four so fairly established and sadly it seems there is a formula to this series and the read suffered from a lack of twists and shocks. I did like the concept but it was lacking energy.
We are of course reunited with the character of Ben Kitto in this read which I liked, it is always great to catch up with characters. I did not think there was a lot of development for his character in this book though which was a bit of a shame. We also catch up with other characters as well and it was enjoyable to see known names and see where they are at in their lives.
I do still thoroughly enjoy the setting of St Mary's, the beauty of the landscape really comes across and there is a sense of isolation and danger throughout. St Mary's really does provide an excellent setting for a crime read and helps to create a brooding atmosphere.
I wanted to enjoy 'Pulpit Rock' as much as I have enjoyed the other instalments but sadly there was just something missing and I did not connect with this read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for an advance copy.
May 7, 2021
See the literary locations in Pulpit Rock
A great addition to the series. This is a novel where the setting really leads the way and the plot and characters are all products of their surroundings. The sea, the remoteness, the fear of isolation, the knowledge there is a killer on the island... all very chilling.
The macabre way the killer poses the bodies in wedding dresses/veils was especially creepy given the white foam of the waves, the sharp rocks and the arches between the cliffs as they mimicked the wedding surroundings. The way the detectives fought to get to the truth was an adventure and a great and exciting way to do a police procedural with a difference. The plotting and structure of the novel was just something else. In fact it was a joy from start to finish and a twisty treat.
Be sure to read the others in the series. There's not many series that use setting and surroundings as well as the history and heritage of a place quite as well as this one!
October 13, 2020
Although this is book 4, it was my first outing with Ben Kitto. I'm a big Kate Rhodes fan, loving her Alice Quentin series, so was very excited to read a book of hers from a new, (to me), series. I wasn't disappointed. Once again, Ms Rhodes has created a hero that's it's a pleasure to invest in. I was fascinated with the setting of the Scilly Isles. I can't imagine living anywhere where you can't get Prime next day delivery! Obviously the landscape is wonderful to write about but it must present myriad difficulties for a crime writer. Of course, that's no bar to an author of Ms Rhodes calibre. The story is clever and well thought out. The action starts on the first page and doesn't let up until the last. All the characters are three dimensional with credible back stories and human frailties. I was completely swept up in the story and, despite correctly guessing the identity of the murderer, I didn't get the entire denouement correct and so was blown away with the detail and brilliance of it all. A first class book that I'm delighted to recommend.
December 16, 2022
I don’t feel fully engaged, hence the picky nature of my review.
p87 “The man’s grey hair is so neatly combed, his parting could have been drawn with a slide rule.” Now, why say “slide rule”? Most readers won’t know what this stupid device is (thankfully replaced by the wonderful calculator) and if you’re just using it to draw a straight line then a simple RULER will suffice.
p97 “Elaine leads me past displays that have changed little since I was a boy, her pace rapid for a woman in her sixties.” Errrr, excuse me? Ageism? I am in my 60s & go out once a week to do hill sprints to improve my fitness for tennis. I don’t consider myself to be exceptional in this. What does Kate Rhodes think a 60 year old woman should be like? Using a cane?
Well I read it…can’t say I enjoyed it. Most of the book is faffing around for the murderers to finally turn out to be the most unlikely pair with not very believable motives. All a bit pathetic really.
Oh, and it turns out that 60 yr old Elaine is capable of nearly killing a dog with one kick…yeah right!
p87 “The man’s grey hair is so neatly combed, his parting could have been drawn with a slide rule.” Now, why say “slide rule”? Most readers won’t know what this stupid device is (thankfully replaced by the wonderful calculator) and if you’re just using it to draw a straight line then a simple RULER will suffice.
p97 “Elaine leads me past displays that have changed little since I was a boy, her pace rapid for a woman in her sixties.” Errrr, excuse me? Ageism? I am in my 60s & go out once a week to do hill sprints to improve my fitness for tennis. I don’t consider myself to be exceptional in this. What does Kate Rhodes think a 60 year old woman should be like? Using a cane?
Well I read it…can’t say I enjoyed it. Most of the book is faffing around for the murderers to finally turn out to be the most unlikely pair with not very believable motives. All a bit pathetic really.
Oh, and it turns out that 60 yr old Elaine is capable of nearly killing a dog with one kick…yeah right!
September 16, 2023
This is a closed circle mystery, please don’t call it a locked room as it involves a whole island, that I loved and made me feel the sense of dread as the killer must be a person near you and a bit claustrophobic.
It was the first I read in this series and now, after reading the previous three novel, I’m able to spot more clues and better understand the characters and the setting.
The setting is lovely, the sun is shining but you cannot help feeling the darkness and the dread as this story will bring you to very dark places, read about senseless murders and mysterious clues that are related to the tradition.
It’s a tense, fast paced, gritty and gripping novel. There’s some heartbreak, there’s a lot of empathy for the victims, and there’s OH-NO moment.
Read it because it’s a book that will keep you on the edge till the last page.
Many thanks to Simon&Schuster UK and Compulsive Reader for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
It was the first I read in this series and now, after reading the previous three novel, I’m able to spot more clues and better understand the characters and the setting.
The setting is lovely, the sun is shining but you cannot help feeling the darkness and the dread as this story will bring you to very dark places, read about senseless murders and mysterious clues that are related to the tradition.
It’s a tense, fast paced, gritty and gripping novel. There’s some heartbreak, there’s a lot of empathy for the victims, and there’s OH-NO moment.
Read it because it’s a book that will keep you on the edge till the last page.
Many thanks to Simon&Schuster UK and Compulsive Reader for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
November 18, 2020
As DI Ben Kitto and his team are out practising their swimming they discover the body of a young woman dressed as a bride and hung from a local landmark. It soon becomes clear that this is not a suicide and the Islands Police have a murder on their hands. Reacting quickly they shut down St Mary's but another woman is murdered and now there is a serial killer on the loose. One of Ben's childhood friends is an easy suspect but things don't add up and the race is on to save another girl's life.
I haven't read all of Rhodes' books set on the Scilly Isles but the couple I have read have impressed. Unlike many in the genre the central character, Kitto, is not necessarily the focus, more a narrator with personal insights. The love for the islands and their historic way of life is evident and the isolation and small population lends a different slant to what might otherwise be a fairly generic (if strong) police procedural.
I haven't read all of Rhodes' books set on the Scilly Isles but the couple I have read have impressed. Unlike many in the genre the central character, Kitto, is not necessarily the focus, more a narrator with personal insights. The love for the islands and their historic way of life is evident and the isolation and small population lends a different slant to what might otherwise be a fairly generic (if strong) police procedural.
June 27, 2021
A consistently good series about DI Ben Kitto, who’s based on the Scilly Isles, in the UK. This is instalment number 4, and most of the action happens on the main island of St Mary’s. I slightly missed the back-and-forth island hopping from the previous books, though. Kitto and his approach are reassuringly unchanged, and with his DCI on holiday, he’s left to run the investigation as he pleases. A welcome addition to the run, I look forward to more.
My rating strategy:
5 stars = An all time favourite, I could tell you about this 10 years later.
4 stars = Loved this, really gripping/fun/exciting, will remember long term.
3 stars = Definitely enjoyed, might forget quickly though, but happy to read more by the author.
2 stars = Likely to have some goood points, but it didn't properly captivate me.
1 star = Not my cup of tea at all, wouldn't return to the author.
My rating strategy:
5 stars = An all time favourite, I could tell you about this 10 years later.
4 stars = Loved this, really gripping/fun/exciting, will remember long term.
3 stars = Definitely enjoyed, might forget quickly though, but happy to read more by the author.
2 stars = Likely to have some goood points, but it didn't properly captivate me.
1 star = Not my cup of tea at all, wouldn't return to the author.
July 24, 2022
I read the second book in this series ("Ruin Beach") earlier this year and was not impressed but I hoped this book might be more interesting. This is a police procedural set in the Scilly Isles with most of the story told in the first person by Detective Inspector Ben Kitto. There are several chapters told in the third person featuring another character and printed in a different typeface. Someone on the island is attacking young women and in the end Ben and his team identify who is doing this. Lots of red herrings and no real clues so I felt a bit dissatisfied. I was also irritated by Ben's boss Detective Chief Inspector Madron even though he plays a much lesser role than in "Ruin Beach". Probably time to give up on this series though I may well give some of the author's books in her other series a go.
September 15, 2020
A classic and beautifully-written crime mystery featuring a highly-likeable detective (and his dog) solving a gruesome murder in a small community against a ticking clock. The setting of the Scilly Isles is a vital part of the success of this series and Kate Rhodes marvellously evokes the islands’ unique nature, their beauty and history. In this novel, someone is being driven by obsession to abduct and kill and young women. DI Ben Kitty must narrow down his suspects from the hundreds on the island on the night of the first death to just a handful that include some of his oldest friends. He’ll have to risk his relationships, his career and his life to save a local girl and stop the killings. As ever, Kate Rhodes seems particularly at home writing about psychosis and warped obsession.
September 7, 2020
Pulpit Rock is the fourth in the Ben Kitto series set on the Isles of Scilly and I've read and loved the previous three books in the series so was really looking forward to this.
After a body is found hanging from Pulpit Rock, Kitto and his team are on the hunt for a killer who they believe is a member of the local community.
I love the setting of this series and the atmospheric writing which really conjures up a sense of place. There is also great plotting and characterisation.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.
After a body is found hanging from Pulpit Rock, Kitto and his team are on the hunt for a killer who they believe is a member of the local community.
I love the setting of this series and the atmospheric writing which really conjures up a sense of place. There is also great plotting and characterisation.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.
October 11, 2021
Another outing for Ben Kitto in the Scilly Isles. An interesting background to the stories but it can become a bit of a travelogue. A Tv series beckons? So after Shetland, Death in Paradise, and Carnage in Midsomer another setting to focus our attention. Classic Agatha Christie territory as the island is sealed with no one coming in or out. The storyline develops nicely but some might have reservations about arresting two separate individuals for murder before stumbling on the perpetrators just in time. Still, I enjoyed it!
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